Better At Work with Cathal Quinlan – Details, episodes & analysis

Today we welcome Helen Tupper, CEO of Amazing If and co-author of the No.1 Sunday Times Business Bestseller The Squiggly Career: Ditch the Ladder, Discover Opportunity, Design Your Career. Helen has built her career across leadership roles at Microsoft, Virgin, and BP, and today helps millions of people rethink what career success really means through her books, workshops, and the No. 1 Careers Podcast, Squiggly Careers.

Helen and I dive into why traditional career ladders no longer work, and how the “squiggly” approach helps people find more purpose, confidence and fulfilment at work. Together we explore:- Identifying and playing to your “super strengths”- Tackling the “confidence gremlins” that hold us back- Building a supportive, genuine network- Keeping an open mind about possibilities for the future👉 Tune in next week when Annette and I answer your listener questions on careers and how to make work better for everyone.Get in touch: www.betteratwork.net/contact-us/Follow us on Instagram: @betteratworkpodOr LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cathal-quinlan/And get the Best Bits Newsletter: betteratwork.net

In episode 45, we welcome Daisy Auger-Domínguez, a trailblazing executive dedicated to building vibrant and supportive cultures. Her new book “Burnt Out to Lit Up: How to Reignite the Joy of Leading People” offer practical strategies for overcoming burnout. With decades of experience driving transformation at Google and Disney, Daisy is known for innovative solutions to burnout.

Daisy and I discuss how she managed her own burnout while leading a global team through the COVID-19 pandemic. Drawing on her experience, Daisy identifies warning signs of burnout that leaders should watch out for and provides strategies for organizations to mitigate the risks of burnout. We unpack:

• What burnout is and what is not
• How to take care of yourself so you can lead and take care of the people in your life, without running yourself ragged and
• Steps to take if you are feeling burnt out 

Annette Sloan and I sum-up the three biggest takeaways from my conversation with Daisy and share some news on the rest of this season of Better@Work!

Get in touch: Cathal@betteratwork.com.au or betteratwork.net

Get in touch on Instagram: @betteratwork_

Get in touch on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cathal-quinlan/

Send us a question or leave us a voicemail: betteratwork.net/contact-us/

Get the newsletter: betteratwork.net

About Guest

Daisy Auger-Domínguez who is an award-winning global leader, speaker and author who guides organizations to meet the moment and tackle the pressing question: “Is there a better way to work?” With decades of experience driving transformations at the leading edge of people and culture at Disney, Google and Vice Media, Daisy specializes in bridging divides and aligning people, culture, structures and practices to deliver lasting impact. Her books, “Inclusion Revolution: The Essential Guide to Dismantling Racial Inequity in the Workplace” and “Burnt Out to Lit Up: How to Reignite the Joy of Leading People” offer practical strategies for inclusion and leadership. A sought-after speaker, Daisy's work has been featured in Forbes, Harvard Business Review, Inc., MSNBC and TEDx.

Learn more about Daisy at: https://www.daisyauger-dominguez.com/

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In episode 36, we welcome Molly Tschang, Founder of Abella Consulting and Say It Skillfully Inc. Molly teaches people at all levels to communicate skillfully and authentically to be seen, heard and understood on their most important and challenging topics.

Molly and I discuss:

1. Why our willingness to speak up is a huge indicator of how safe and supported we are at work
2. Molly shares her framework to help you unlock the key to authentic human interaction
3. Why being a good leader begins with being a good coach.

Annette Sloan and I sum-up the three biggest takeaways from my conversation with Molly, and we answer a listener's question about dealing with a command-and-control boss.

Tune in to gain insights on finding the words that work for each of us and making ourselves feel heard at work.

Get in touch: Cathal@betteratwork.com.au or betteratwork.net

Get in touch on Instagram: @betteratwork_

Get in touch on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cathal-quinlan/

Send us a question or leave us a voicemail: betteratwork.net/contact-us/

Get the newsletter: betteratwork.net

About Guest

Founder of Say It Skillfully Inc., Molly helps senior management and their teams to Win As One. Across 81 mergers and acquisitions, Molly has helped leadership teams navigate the human after-effects of intense change. She guides leaders to commit to each other’s success as they learn to thrive in complex internal environments. Through Say It Skillfully, Molly teaches people at all levels to communicate skillfully and authentically to be seen, heard and understood on their most important and challenging topics.

Molly is working on her first book with co-author Marshall Goldsmith, scheduled for release in early 2025! The working title is Say It Skillfully - Speak Up, Be Yourself, Make Your Words Matter.

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In episode 35, we welcome Graham Allcott, an entrepreneur, author, speaker and podcaster whose latest book KIND: The quiet power of kindness at work is out now.

What if someone told you the key to success was kindness? His new work focuses on why organisations with kinder and more human-centred cultures are ultimately more successful. 

Graham and I discuss:

1. Why the role of kindness in business is misunderstood
2. We look at the science of kindness, the research from behavioral science and how it drives results and collaboration across many dimensions
3. What does it mean to be kindful including the 8 principles of kindfullness at work

Annette Sloan and I sum-up the three biggest takeaways from my conversation with Graham, and we answer a listener's question about facing burnout at the office and dealing with a lazy peer!

Tune in to gain insights on the transformative impact of kindness at work and in life. 

Get in touch: Cathal@betteratwork.com.au or betteratwork.net

Get in touch on Instagram: @betteratwork_

Get in touch on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cathal-quinlan/

Send us a question or leave us a voicemail: betteratwork.net/contact-us/

Get the newsletter: betteratwork.net

About Guest

Graham Allcott is the author of multiple books, including the global bestsellers How to be a Productivity Ninja and KIND: The Quiet Power of Kindness at Work, and a popular speaker on these topics. He is the founder of Think Productive, one of the world's leading providers of personal productivity training and consultancy.

If you want to learn more about Graham head to https://www.grahamallcott.com/orderkind

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In episode 34, we have something a little bit different for you. We speak to Rebecca Moulynox, the General Manager of Great Place To Work Australia and New Zealand, and Con Mouzouris, CEO of Mantel Group.

Great Place to Work is a global authority on workplace culture and gives leaders and organisation the recognition and tools to create a consistently and overwhelmingly positive employee experience. 

Mantel Group is a technology consultancy firm and has been awarded “Legend” status by Great Places to Work, in recognition of having one of Australia’s most positive workplace cultures for five years running!

We cover the following topics with Rebecca and Con:

1. The three most important ingredients to create a great workplace
2. Why communication and equity are interconnected
3. Practical ways and examples to create a great place to work!

Annette Sloan and I sum-up the three biggest takeaways from my conversation with Rebecca and Con. 

We’ve taken a short pause on listeners questions because we wanted to take a moment to hear from you. We want to explore what more we could do as a group:

• Is there someone you think we need to invite on as a guest?
• Have you learned anything from the series that has helped you or your teams? We want to hear your stories!
• We do love your questions, so keep them coming. Is there a problem for yourself or your organisation Annette and I could help you work through? 

Get in touch: Cathal@betteratwork.com.au or betteratwork.net

Get in touch on Instagram: @betteratwork_

Get in touch on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cathal-quinlan/

Send us a question or leave us a voicemail: betteratwork.net/contact-us/

Get the newsletter: betteratwork.net

And if you want to learn more about Great Place to Work, head to https://greatplacetowork.com.au/ 

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In episode 33, we welcome Jay Van Bavel, a professor of psychology and neural science at New York University and author of the acclaimed book, "The Power of Us: Harnessing Our Shared Identities to Improve Performance, Increase Cooperation, and Promote Social Harmony”." 

From neurons to social networks, Jay’s research examines how collective concerns—group identities, moral values, and political beliefs—shape the mind, brain, and behaviour.

Jay’s research focuses on social identities, stereotypes, and exploring the truth behind our deep need to belong. How do we identify with others? What groups do feel safe with, and which ones are considered threats? These are all questions that are important to our lives, our views on the world around us and our own views about our ourselves. 

Jay and I discuss:

1. The impact of identity, group dynamics and bias in work, politics, and life!
2. How our inter-personal relationships - from children to colleagues - transform our identity and performance
3. Creating psychological safety in teams and creating safe spaces for dissent.

Annette Sloan and I sum-up the three biggest takeaways from my conversation with Jay and we answer a listener's question about returning to work after 3 years raising her children.

Tune in to gain insights on harnessing our shared identities to create a more cooperative life and workplace!

Get in touch: Cathal@betteratwork.com.au or betteratwork.net

Get in touch on Instagram: @betteratwork_

Get in touch on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cathal-quinlan/

Send us a question or leave us a voicemail: betteratwork.net/contact-us/

Get the newsletter: betteratwork.net

About Guest

Dr. Jay Van Bavel is a Professor of Psychology & Neural Science at New York University, an affiliate at the Stern School of Business in Management and Organizations, and Director of the Social Identity & Morality Lab. He is the co-author of “The Power of Us: Harnessing Our Shared Identities to Improve Performance, Increase Cooperation, and Promote Social Harmony”. Prior to joining NYU, Jay completed his PhD at the University of Toronto and a Postdoctoral Fellowship at The Ohio State University.

If you want to learn more about Dr. Jay Van Bavel head to https://www.jayvanbavel.com/

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In episode 32, we chat with Dr. Marc Sniukas about making better strategies for all levels - from leadership to management, to challenges in our everyday lives!

With over 20 years of experience, Marc has worked with global organizations like BMW, Deloitte, and McDonald's. He helps businesses create effective strategies for success, even in challenging times. Marc equips people with proven systems to make strategy better - whether your goals are delivering growth, boosting financial performance or losing weight! 

Marc and I discuss:

1. What does good strategy look like and why we need to leave behind the old school strategy approach
2. How to bring strategy to life in an organisation or team 
3. How to be successful by tracking inputs and living your strategy.

Annette Sloan and I sum-up the three biggest takeaways from my conversation with Marc and we answer a listener's question about how to manage a team who always present problems, expecting answers without putting forward any solutions.

Tune in to gain insights on finding alignment within your organisation and living your strategy for success. 

Get in touch: Cathal@betteratwork.com.au or betteratwork.net

Get in touch on Instagram: @betteratwork_

Get in touch on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cathal-quinlan/

Send us a question or leave us a voicemail: betteratwork.net/contact-us/

Get the newsletter: betteratwork.net

About Guest

Dr Marc Sniukas is a global expert on strategic innovation for new growth and renewal, co-founder of Business Model Gallery - The World's Largest Business Model Database, and adjunct professor of business innovation.

If you want to learn more about Dr. Marc Sniukas head to https://www.sniukas.com/about 

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In episode 31, we chat with Nick Bloom, a renowned Stanford economist and leading expert on remote work. Nick’s research has delved into the trends and preferences of employees for over twenty years. He’s full of insights and tips on the value of hybrid working and how to make the commute to the office count. Whether your workplace is remote, in-person or a mix of both - this episode is for you! 

Nick co-founded WorkFromHomeResearch.com and has influenced policy on remote work, meeting with notable figures like President Barack Obama. He consults with CEOs, speaks at events, and if you’re reading an article about remote work - chances are he’ll be referenced! Nick's mission is to advance remote work adoption and empower workers and organisations. 

Nick and I discuss:

1. The evolution of working from home and how it all began way before COVID!
2. Why hybrid work schedules and performance reviews are transformative
3. The importance of social interactions at work and how to maximise them even when working remotely 

Annette Sloan and I sum-up the three biggest takeaways from my conversation with Nick and we answer a listener's question about what to do when a colleague breaks down in tears about being overwhelmed by their job.

Tune in to gain insights on making working from home better, improving hybrid team performance and Nick’s predictions for the future of work.

Get in touch: Cathal@betteratwork.com.au or betteratwork.net

Get in touch on Instagram: @betteratwork_

Get in touch on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/cathal-quinlan/

Send us a question or leave us a voicemail: betteratwork.net/contact-us/

Get the newsletter: betteratwork.net

About Guest

If you want to learn more about Nick, go to his Linkedin

Plus go to wfhresearch.com where there are some excellent research papers on all things working from home.

Also check out wfhmap.com which is measuring remote work across space and time, using job ads.

Timestamps

1.00 Top of Mind - The Olympics!

7.40 Nick Bloom Interview - the history of hybrid work

14.35 Hybrid working trends

19.00 Organising hybrid for success

32.00 Why organisations resort to Return to the Office for the wrong reasons

41.00 Annette's Sum Up & Listener's Question

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In episode 30, we chat with Carol Kauffman about being the best version of yourself in the toughest moments at work and in life. Whether you’re making a split-second decision when your business is hit sideways or finding the ways to stay calm when someone shouts you down in a meeting, how can you be at your best in the most crucial moments?

Carol Kauffman is an assistant professor at Harvard Medical School and is ranked number one by leadership coach Marshall Goldsmith. Her book Real Time Leadership: Find Your Winning Moves When The Stakes Are High, was co-written with David Noble and shows you how to navigate crucial leadership moments successfully using their innovative MOVE framework.

Carol and I discuss:

1. The super question to ask yourself dozens of times a day. 
2. How to overcome your reflexes using the MOVE Framework 
3. Her top advice for future aspiring leaders

Annette Sloan and I sum-up the three biggest takeaways from my conversation with Carol and we answer a listener's question about what to do when your boss doesn’t like you.

Tune in to gain insights on rising above our reflexes and being the best version of ourselves whether we’re leading, reaching for patience, or giving feedback. 

Get in touch: Cathal@betteratwork.com.au or betteratwork.net

Get in touch on Instagram: @betteratwork_

Get in touch on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/cathal-quinlan/

Send us a question or leave us a voicemail: betteratwork.net/contact-us/

Get the newsletter: betteratwork.net

About Guest

Carol is known globally as one of the top leaders in the field of coaching. She has been named the #1 Leadership coach in the world by the Marshall Goldsmith group. Thinkers 50 shortlisted her as one of the top 8 coaches for her contribution as a thought leader and coach. She is on the faculty at Harvard where she is the Founder of the Institute of Coaching. In addition, she supervises an international fleet of leadership coaches and has created a Coach Approach training program with a global footprint. Her book Real Time Leaders: Find Your Winning Moves When The Stakes Are High, was co-written with David Noble.

If you want to learn more about Carol and her work, visit carolkauffman.com/ 

Plus, we talk about Carol’s new book carolkauffman.com/rtl-draft/ 

Timestamps

1.30 Top of Mind - A current leadership crisis

5.00 Carol Kauffman Interview

7.00 Don’t hold back

11.00 The MOVE Framework

19.24 The three dimensions of great leaders

39:56 Annette’s Sum-Up

45.33 Listener’s Question: Matt’s boss doesn’t like him but he loves his job - what should he do?

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In episode 29, we chat with Tessa West about finding work that works for you, and applying relationship therapy tools to our careers. 

Dr. Tessa West is a professor of psychology at New York University and expert in the science of social relationships. Tessa's extensive research and publications in top psychology journals have gained her recognition in media outlets like The New York Times and CNN. She is the author of "Jerks at Work" and upcoming book "Job Therapy." 

Tessa and I discuss:

1. How to find your most fulfilling job  
2. The complicated role identity plays in why we stay in jobs or roles we do not like
3. The five common sources of career frustration.

Annette Sloan and I sum-up the three biggest takeaways from my conversation with Tessa and we answer a listener's question about what to do when you're given an impossible task at work.

Tune in to gain insights on moving through periods of transition and finding roles and jobs in which we’ll thrive. 

Get in touch: Cathal@betteratwork.com.au or betteratwork.net

Get in touch on Instagram: @betteratwork_

Get in touch on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cathal-quinlan/

Send us a question or leave us a voicemail: betteratwork.net/contact-us/

Get the newsletter: betteratwork.net

About Guest

Dr Tessa West is Professor of Psychology at New York University, where she is a leading expert on the science of social relationships. She has over 100 academic publications and is a regular contributor to the Wall Street Journal. Her first book Jerks at Work: Toxic coworkers and what to do about them is now followed by Job Therapy: Finding work that works for you. 

If you want to learn more about Dr. Tessa West and her work, visit https://www.tessawestauthor.com/ 

Plus, we talk about Tessa’s new book https://www.tessawestauthor.com/book/job-therapy 

Timestamps

1.18 Top of Mind.

5.03 Tessa West Interview.

8.30 Personal identity vs professional identity. 

12.31 Why we can’t walk away: The sunk cost fallacy, intermittent reinforcement and the hedonic treadmill.

17.00 Five common causes of career frustration.

22.00 Leaving your job and the power of the full stop. Why less is more and we need to stop prioritising action over reflection.

30.00 Why there aren't 'soft skills', there are just skills!

36.54 Tessa’s lesson from work that’s made her whole life better.

38.40 Tessa’s favourite piece of advice.

41:30 Annette’s Episode Sum Up.

46.45 Listener’s Question.

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